Refer

How it is used

Family doctors refer patients to psychology services, and therapists refer clients on when a problem is outside their competence. The noun is referral: make a referral, accept a referral, self-referral.

Example sentences

1. Her GP referred her to the community mental health team.

2. If the eating problems get worse, I will refer him to a specialist service.

Common collocations

• refer to
• refer on
• make a referral
• referral letter
• self-referral

Related terms

• clinical psychologistA psychologist with postgraduate training in assessing and treating mental health problems through psychological methods, usually working in health services or private practice.
• assessmentThe process of gathering information about a person through interviews, observation and tests in order to understand their difficulties and plan help.
• risk assessmentA structured evaluation of how likely it is that a person may harm themselves or others, or be harmed, and of the factors that raise or lower that risk.
• clientA person who receives psychological therapy, counselling or another professional service; in therapy this word is often used instead of patient.

More terms: Therapy and Counselling

• psychotherapy
• cognitive behavioural therapy
• session
• counselling
• confidentiality
• therapeutic alliance
• psychodynamic therapy
• mindfulness
• exposure therapy
• psychoeducation